Two arrested after assault at Waterford campground sends two to hospital

Papoose Pond Resort and Campground advertises itself as "Maine's Best Kept Secret For Family Fun." It has 180 campsites plus 50 cabins, cottages and trailers for rent plus a host of other amenities including a heated pool and entertainment.

WATERFORD, Maine — Two Massachusetts men are under arrest today and at least two people are in the hospital following an assault among campers at Papoose Pond Resort and Campground in Waterford.

John O’Brien, 40, and Jonathan O’Brien, 18, a father and son from Billerica, Mass., were arrested at the popular campground at 700 Norway Road early Thursday morning by Maine State Police trooper Joseph Bureau. Both were charged with aggravated assault and assault.

Lt. Walter Grzyb of the Maine State Police said two groups of campers got into a fight late Wednesday night. Two campers were injured. William Powell, 43, of Farmington had serious facial injuries and was flown by LifeFlight to Central Maine Medical Center. Grzyb said Michael Chapman, 46, of Farmington was taken to Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway.

A spokesperson for CMMC said Powell was “in good condition” Thursday afternoon.

Grzyb said both victims were adult males from Maine. He said there were more people involved than the two charged and the two victims, and that more charges might be coming as state police investigate the incident.

A guard at the Oxford County Jail said both suspects are being held on $50,000 cash bail.

The well-known site is a family campground with enforced quiet hours that begin at 11 p.m., according to its website. Violators who refuse to cooperate are evicted and banned from the campground.